| Alarms play an important part in providing security | | | | designed simply to alert occupants and others as the |
| today for homes, businesses, vehicles and other | | | | existence of a possible fire. Other more advanced |
| properties. Various types of systems from burglar | | | | alarms actually activate fire control systems like |
| alarms to car and smoke alarms have become a part | | | | sprinklers and fire barriers. The fire alarm alert is |
| of our everyday lives. Alarms use sensors to detect | | | | usually both audible and visible. The visible alert is in |
| certain types of activity and upon detection, they | | | | normally in the form of a flashing or rotating red light. |
| activate an alert or alarm in the form of a loud | | | | For persons with impaired hearing and vision, other |
| sound, although other types of alerts are also used. | | | | types of alarms are also used including odor releasing |
| Some alarms also send communications by phone or | | | | devices. |
| other devices to a person or center designated for | | | | Car alarms are similar to burglar alarms in that they |
| rapid response. | | | | are mainly designed to detect intrusion. Many use |
| A burglar alarm is designed to protect a home or | | | | shock sensors that detect when a person attempts |
| establishment from intrusion. The monitoring system | | | | to break into car by striking, jostling or any other |
| may use sensors that detect body heat, motion and | | | | type of action that creates shock-like vibrations. Car |
| people entering into the building once the alarm has | | | | alarms may also use pressure sensors that detect |
| been set. The sensors are often installed near the | | | | fluctuations in air pressure within the car that occur |
| doors and windows where intruders normally break | | | | when someone breaks a window. Some car alarms |
| and enter. Most burglar alarm systems will have | | | | have extra features such as fire detection, |
| special detection devices that allow them to | | | | anti-carjacking systems, remote trunk pop and |
| distinguish the movement of pets from that of actual | | | | domelight control. |
| intruders. If an intrusion is detected, a loud audible | | | | Alarms can be wired or wireless, with the wireless |
| alarm, such as a siren, is activated both to alert any | | | | systems requiring a battery power source. Many |
| occupants who may be on the property and to scare | | | | alarm systems utilize computer technology including |
| away the intruder. A message will usually also be sent | | | | advanced algorithms for detection and response. New |
| to a security center, which will decide whether to | | | | technical advances help in the development of |
| alert the authorities. | | | | systems with fewer "false alarms" by providing a |
| Fire alarms are used to protect property from the | | | | greater degree of sensor discrimination and sensory |
| threat of fire and smoke. The detectors in a fire | | | | input analysis. Newer alarms also have more |
| alarm may sense products of combustion like smoke, | | | | advanced notification equipment beyond simple |
| heat, flames and carbon monoxide. Some advanced | | | | audible signals. Alarms play an important role in |
| fire alarms use optical devices that can recognize fire | | | | maintaining security especially when used in |
| and the visible effects of fire. Some fire alarms are | | | | conjunction with other appropriate measures. |